Is dog registration compulsory?

Yes. All dogs over three months old must be registered with the local council in the name of a person aged 16 years or older [Dog and Cat Management Act 1995 (SA) ss 33, 34].

Special registration procedures apply for businesses involving dogs, namely kennels at which dogs are bred or trained or businesses providing security or other services involving the use of dogs [s 35].

If the owner or person responsible for the dog fails to register the dog, the council may issue an expiation notice for that offence or a summons to answer the charge and pay a fine [s 33].

The council can issue a further expiation notice or summons for each 14 days that the dog continues to be unregistered.

Expiation fee

Dangerous or prescribed dogs $750

Any other dog $170